It’s More Than a Criminal Case—Your Immigration Status Is at Risk

If you’re a tech professional, engineer, or student in the Seattle area on a visa, a DUI or assault charge isn’t just a legal issue—it could cost you your ability to stay in the United States.

Washington law treats these offenses seriously, and U.S. immigration authorities do too. Many professionals assume that as long as they avoid a conviction, they have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. It is vital to your future in the United States that you defend the charges as vigorously as possible AND that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will see to it that your story – in its entirety – is told an on record. For the criminal and immigration courts.

questioned by police

Immigration officials review more than just criminal convictions. They also scrutinize arrests and the stories behind them along with court records when evaluating visa renewals, green card applications, and adjustment of status requests. Even a dismissed charge taken out of context could create complications with your immigration status.

The most important step you can take right now is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the high stakes involved when a non-citizen is facing a DUI or assault charge.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

If you hold an H-1B, F-1, L-1, or another visa status, a criminal charge can put your future in jeopardy. Immigration officials are looking for any reason to deny renewals, revoke visas, or initiate removal proceedings.

Without strong legal defense, even a minor charge can snowball into an immigration crisis. The wrong move—such as talking to police without an attorney—could lead to devastating consequences.

A Skilled Defense Attorney Will:

  • Fight the Charges – The best way to protect your immigration status is to win your case outright or get charges reduced before they become a problem.
  • Challenge the Evidence – DUI cases often rely on breathalyzer tests, field sobriety tests, and police reports, all of which can be flawed. Assault cases frequently hinge on unreliable witness statements or misinterpreted situations. A strong defense attorney will aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case.
  • Prevent Damaging Statements – Speaking to the police, even with good intentions, can and will be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications to avoid mistakes.
  • Coordinate with Immigration Attorneys – Your criminal defense lawyer should work closely with an immigration attorney to minimize the risk of visa revocation, denial of status adjustments, or potential deportation.

What to Avoid

Many professionals and students arrested for DUI or assault assume that if the charges are reduced or dismissed, they are in the clear. Don’t make this assumption: Immigration officials don’t just look at final case outcomes—they examine the entire process, from the initial arrest to court proceedings. What you have to say about the incident and arrest are crucially important. Only a seasoned criminal defense attorney can see that you tell your story – on the record – the right way, in context and completely.

Some of the biggest mistakes non-citizens make include:

  • Pleading guilty just to “get it over with.” A conviction—no matter how minor—can result in automatic visa revocation or ineligibility for renewal.
  • Assuming a dismissal makes the problem disappear. Even if the charges are dropped, the arrest record can still impact your immigration status.
  • Ignoring court conditions. Failing to appear for a hearing or violating pre-trial conditions—such as a no-contact order in an assault case—can escalate the situation instantly.
  • Talking to the police without an attorney. Officers may seem helpful, but their goal is to build a case against you, not to protect your visa.

If immigration authorities flag your case, you could face:

  • Revocation of your visa
  • Denial of a visa renewal or green card application
  • The inability to adjust your status
  • Detention and deportation proceedings

Why DUI and Assault Charges Are Especially Dangerous for Non-Citizens

DUI Arrests and Immigration Consequences

A DUI charge is one of the most common ways non-citizens end up in immigration trouble. Many mistakenly believe that as long as they avoid jail time, their immigration status won’t be affected. However, U.S. immigration law does not require a conviction to act.

In some cases, a DUI can be classified as a crime of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony, which could lead to inadmissibility or deportability.

Assault Charges and Immigration Risks

Even a misdemeanor assault charge can create major immigration problems, especially if it is classified as domestic violence or a crime of moral turpitude. In some cases, simply being arrested for assault can lead to heightened scrutiny by USCIS, ICE, or CBP.

Washington law defines assault broadly, and many are shocked to learn that:

  • You don’t have to cause physical injury to be charged with assault. Even unwanted touching can result in a criminal charge.
  • Self-defense is not always immediately recognized. You may need a skilled defense attorney to prove you were defending yourself.
  • A misunderstanding can lead to an arrest. Many assault charges stem from misinterpreted arguments or third-party reports that exaggerate what happened.

Your Future Depends on Your Defense

If you are a tech worker, engineer, or student in the Seattle area, you have worked too hard to let a criminal charge jeopardize everything. A DUI or assault charge doesn’t have to ruin your immigration status—but handling it the wrong way might.

The right criminal defense attorney can:

  • Fight aggressively to get charges dropped or reduced
  • Protect your immigration status by minimizing legal exposure
  • Advocate for alternative resolutions that do not trigger immigration consequences

The sooner you act, the more options you have. Take the first step to protect your future—get the right defense now.